Dimapur, July 17 (MExN): The Government of India and the NSCN (IM) today met in New Delhi where ceasefire ‘bottlenecks’ and ‘many other issues’ were paddled out in an effort to at least ‘mitigate’ some touchy issues before the actual next round of political talks begin. While basically referred to as a ‘meeting to review’ the ceasefire ground rules (CFGR), the meeting gains much significance considering it has been touted as a ground-clearing work before the Center and the NSCN (IM) take to the table for the next round of talks.
The central government was represented by the Special Secretary of Internal Security R. Srivastava and Joint Secretary (Northeast in-charge) Naveen Verma, sources said. The NSCN (IM) was represented by special emissary to the collective leadership Retd “General” VS Atem, “Maj. Gen” Phungting Shimrang, kilonser Kraibo Chawang and Jacob. Additional sources added that the GOC (for the north east) of the Assam Rifles and the ‘Assistant Director General of military operations’ was also among top military officials present.
When contacted, the special emissary to the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM), Retd “General” VS Atem said “we cannot allow anything to vitiate the situation.” He informed that ceasefire review meetings were normally held once in every three months. But this time, Atem said, the meeting was prompted “due to the situation.”
Atem informed that today’s meeting was a ground-clearing effort before the actual political talks. “Yes,” he responded when queried if the review meeting was a “clearing work” before the next round of political talks. He however said the meeting had in essence “nothing to do with the political issue.”
Also, while it was informed that a second ‘meeting’ has been scheduled, he did not disclose when it would be. On today’s meeting, the NSCN (IM) leader explained over the phone that “a lot of issues were covered today.” One of these issues included the reported activities of the NSCN (IM) that it was harboring other insurgent elements of the north east. Atem categorically stated that his organization was ‘not sheltering’ any armed group “that is inimical to the NSCN and Government of India.”
Also, when contacted, the convener of the ceasefire monitoring cell, NSCN (IM), “Maj. Gen” Phungting Shimrang informed that the meeting deliberated on “how to go about the ceasefire.” Declining to comment further on the minutes of the meeting, Phungting however said the meeting went quite well and that the ceasefire review committee has decided to meet again next month.
Union tells state to act stronger
The Union Government is understood to be ‘unhappy’ with the Nagaland government and the law enforcements’ failing to check law and order situations. Union Home minister P Chidambaram is reported to have said “enough is enough” at the criminal activities in the state, especially in Dimapur. The centre has reportedly told the state government to act and take stronger action against extortion activities by various groups and anti-social elements. The Union Home minister P Chidambaram has reportedly asked Nagaland Government to adopt stronger measures to curb the activities of the groups and anti-social elements. The Home minister’s firm message was conveyed to Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalthara and Nagaland’s Director General of Police K Kire when the duo called on Chidambaram Thursday in Delhi.
The Nagaland police chief , who was in Guwahati en-route to Kohima told The Morung Express Friday evening that the Union Home minister was “not at all happy” with the criminal activities, especially extortion, being carried out by various groups and anti-social elements in the state’s commercial hub of Dimapur. “We explained to him the steps taken by administration and police to check extortion related activities. We also told him about the improvement of law and order and the decrease in the crime rate….still, he was not happy,” Kire said. The police chief further said that the Union Home minister was quite firm on the issue of extortion and told the state officials that “enough is enough.”
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